In this sermon, Daniel is given a vision and instruction about a great warfare that will occur in the latter days. Daniel mourns and fasts for three weeks, seeking understanding of the vision. An angel is sent to make known to Daniel what will happen to his people in the latter days. The vision includes the rise and fall of four great world kingdoms, with the final form being a ten-kingdomed empire. Ultimately, God will bring in His kingdom through the coming of Jesus Christ.

John Nelson Darby emphasizes that the common interpretation of prophecy, which equates the church with Israel, is fundamentally flawed. He argues that God's ultimate purpose is centered on Christ and His glory, with Israel being the focal point of God's governance over the world. Darby highlights that many prophecies, particularly in Daniel, pertain specifically to Israel and not the church, and that overlooking this distinction leads to confusion in understanding God's plans. He asserts that the church and Israel have distinct roles in prophecy, and that the church's involvement is absent during the time when Israel is recognized in God's dealings. This misunderstanding has significant implications for interpreting biblical prophecy and the nature of God's governance.